Posted on March 31, 2023 by College of Sciences
#ThisIsWhatAScientistLooksLike
Tiffany Barker-Edwards, Geosciences Major
By Pelle Muñoz
Meet Tiffany Barker-Edwards '24, Vice President of Membership Recruitment for the college-loyalty oriented Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity and undergraduate researcher at UTSA.
Originally from Houston, Tiffany found UTSA to be a comfortable distance from home. This, in combination with the numerous ways UTSA offers financial support to its students, is why Tiffany decided to become a Roadrunner.
Tiffany's journey with UTSA started in 2020 with her enrollment as a freshman. Since taking her first environmental science class, Tiffany found the world of geosciences to be an engaging avenue to pursue.
"The Geosciences major is a great way to further your knowledge about the planet we live on," said Tiffany. "If you have an interest in how the world functions around you, this is the perfect major for you!"
One thing Tiffany enjoys in her area of study is the variability of learning styles across her classes in the UTSA College of Sciences Earth and Planetary Sciences department. Learning in the field of geosciences can occur in labs, classrooms, and even parks. The department has helped her academic journey in a number of ways, such as sharing information on scholarships, research opportunities, and academic speeches. "This information has introduced me to various geology companies, societies and schools."
From June 2020 to January 2022, Tiffany was an intern with the Murillo Company, a geotechnical engineering firm that provides customers with site evaluations and recommendations on how to create the most suitable foundation types. During her time with the firm, Tiffany was responsible for running numerous tests on soil samples to determine soil moisture and density content, particle size, compaction levels, and liquid and plastic limits. She learned the ins and outs of classifying different soil types for geological and engineering purposes.
Shortly after, Tiffany was selected to be a part of the Basic and Environmental Soil Science Training (BESST) program at the North Carolina State University. The BESST program is a 10-week summer program where Tiffany was given the opportunity to further develop her skills in the soil science field and get a start in the field of geotechnical engineering. "This program truly strengthened my confidence in my geoscience skills," said Tiffany. "I was able to learn so much with the people that I worked with, geology related and otherwise."
Since starting at UTSA, Tiffany has contributed to two research projects under Alexis Godet, associate professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and researcher who specializes in stratigraphic modeling and carbonate sedimentology. This semester, Tiffany is taking an independent study course that allows her to assist a graduate student in processing carbonate rock imported from Italy. These carbonate rocks are a class of sedimentary rocks that assist scientists with their understanding of geologic history. The process involves naming each sample based on identified allochems, particles or 'grains,' before powdering the sample and preparing it to be x-rayed. The overarching goal of this research is to expand preexisting knowledge about the ecology of ancient carbonate platforms.
In addition to the multiple research contributions she has made, Tiffany has gotten involved with a number of organizations, including the Geological Society of America and Alpha Omicron Pi–Upsilon Lambda at UTSA.
During her time at UTSA, Tiffany has learned to prioritize joy and wellbeing. "At times some classes will get a bit difficult and become somewhat stressful," said Tiffany. "Making sure you find subjects of interest to you in these courses is a good way to ensure you will do well in them."
Additionally, Tiffany emphasizes the importance of getting involved to new and prospective UTSA students. "A great way to meet more people and expose yourself to various opportunities is to get involved with different clubs and organizations on campus."
Tiffany is set to graduate in 2024 with her B.S. in Geosciences. She plans on going to graduate school and continuing her education in the field of geosciences. "The classes I took and professors I met while working on my degree have introduced me to a field of science that I have come to really enjoy," said Tiffany.
"My hope for the future is to use my knowledge to help improve the world around us."
— College of Sciences
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